Swede Johansson ends 10-year wait

NAKHABINO, Russia (Reuters) -- Sweden's Per-Ulrik Johansson shot a final round five-under 67 to cruise to a six-stroke triumph at the rain-affected Russian Open on Sunday and clinch his first victory in a decade.

The 40-year-old, playing in only his third European Tour event this year, made five birdies to set a record lowest score for the tournament of 23-under-par 265 to better the mark of last year's winner Alejandro Canizares of Spain by a stroke.

Dutchman Robert-Jan Derksen, who started the day four strokes behind Johansson, bogeyed the ninth after a flawless round on Saturday to finish second with a three-under 69 and a 271 total.

Scotland's Alan McLean was third, a further stroke back.

"I haven't won in 10 years so it feels incredible," Johansson, who now has six titles, told a news conference.

"I played some good golf since then but I haven't played this well so I'm very, very pleased."

The former Ryder Cup player, whose last victory came in August 1997 when he successfully defended the European Open in Ireland, also boosted his bank account by 244,250 euros ($336,710) after earning just over 54,000 euros in 2007 before this event.

Bad weather disrupted the $2 million tournament over the first two days.

The organisers were forced to suspend play on Friday after a downpour drenched the course at the Moscow Country Club in suburban Nakhabino, waterlogging the greens and fairways.

Play was also stopped for more than three hours on Thursday.

Despite the nasty weather, Johansson was delighted with his short game.

"I think my putting was the best I've ever putted through a whole tournament. I can't remember making that many putts," he said.

"My long game was okay and I kept the ball in play but every time I got the ball on the green I felt like I had a chance for a birdie."

The Swede, who earned a two-year Tour exemption with his victory, was not even disappointed that his sensational 62 on Friday did not count as a course record because of the flooded fairways.

"If I had to chose between the course record and winning I would take the win," he said, adding that his victory was also an early birthday present for his eldest daughter Stella, who turns four on Monday. E-mail to a friend

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